While the works of maestro Kiarostami and Makhmalbaf are part of a more
philosophical, sometimes Godardian/Haneke avant garde film school, Iron
Island represents another side of iranian cinema, one that is closer to
the classic "greek" Hollywood style. The plot driven film. But this is
a plot driven film that also uses the plot to present a satire of the
society. Not only the iranian but a more general comment on the modern
society. The director is very precise and throughoughly chooses simple
but strong symbols on presenting his work. A miniatyre society (on a
rusty old oil tanker in the persian gulf that is constantly sinking)
lead by captain Nemat. There is a fully (dis)functional society on this
boat. Nemat is a strong totalitarian leader but a balanced person thats
very hard to judge. Nemats complex character is one of the most well
crafted and vital parts of this film. There is also a love story off
course. A forbidden love between two of the youths on this boat. Nemat,
these two youths a teacher/scientist and dozen of other characters each
represent a person and a way of thinking that in addition to being
autonome characters also are used to show Nemat. These persons are also
used to show Nemat, by showing Nemats reaction to these people.

Also the imagery is fantastic. The old rusty tanker a great contrast to
the blue sea. Brown and yellow against the blue sea and the sky. Nemats
(Nassirian is one of the most important theatre and film actors in
Iran) face expressions alone, are just incredible (one can see
parallels in the use of face expression to Eisensteins "Potemkin").

In short, Iron Island is one of the most interesting Iranian films in a
long time.

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